Dance in the Desert 2026
Nov 6-8
Bands
Stringrays
Sonoma Crossing
Alexandra Deis-Lauby
Christine Merryman
Dance in the Desert is on the move! This year, dance with us at the Voyager RV Resort just south of Tucson. The resort featires ample facilities, including a hotel, RV spaces, swimming pool, pickleball courts and a golf course.
Check-in for the first evening of dancing opens at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. We start Saturday with a continental breakfast, then prepare for a full day of dancing and workshops. Saturday night’s gala dance will be followed by jamming until midnight. Sunday features more music and dance, concluding with a dance after lunch on Sunday. Camp closes at 3:00 p.m.
A variety of housing is available on site – hotel rooms, casitas and RV spaces alike are available to attendees with a 30% discount. Book your stay early to take advantage of the reduced rate! You can also arrange your own off-site accommodations nearby.
Continental breakfasts, dinner on Saturday, and delightful snacks will be provided. Food trucks will be on site to purchase lunch on Saturday and Sunday. There are both omnivore and vegetarian options. Campers with more specific dietary needs should plan to provide their own food.
Making It Happen
Other than the musicians and callers, Dance in the Desert is entirely run by volunteers.
Let us know in advance if you have any special needs or talents.
A limited number of Work Trade positions are available ($60 off for approximately 3 hours of work) for those needing financial assistance. Please note on the registration form if you wish to request the work trade option.
About the Bands
The Stringrays
Stringrays is an inimitable five-some of musicians with a shared interest in exploring great fiddle tunes. Their playing is fueled by a love of the living tradition of New England fiddle music and its cousins. Expect dynamic, lyrical improvisation and fresh, dance-inspired interplay !
The Stringrays—a classic dish, best served piping hot. Regulars in the know, keep coming back for more. Imagine a roux so rich it should pay taxes, whisked in with hand-picked notes and zesty spices. Sprinkled throughout, is the snap and rhythm that crackles like kettle chips. Floating on top is the lush lift of bowed strings blending the ingredients into a robust mélange. Yet I’m thinking someone slipped some firecrackers into the pot.” Ranidance
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Sonoma Crossing
Sonoma Crossing bring power, energy, and fun to dance halls around the country.
About the Callers
Alexandra Deis-Lauby
NYC-based folk dancer, caller, teacher, and organizer, Alexandra calls dance weekends, camps, and festivals all over the country. She tours, calling local dances for both contra and English Country Dance. She also calls community, teen, and family dances as well as weddings and parties.
Her clear teaching, smooth voice, and fun dance selection delight dancers coast-to-coast (and once in Paris, France!!). Alex is excellent with all levels of dancers whether they just walked in the door or have been dancing since before she was born. She enjoys challenging the brains of experienced dancers and making dance accessible for new folks. She has dances for all the folks!
She mentors new callers, both one-on-one and in workshop form. When she is not calling or dancing, Alex can be found sword dancing with Half Moon Sword, singing choirs (with the Oratorio Society of New York and Florilegium Chamber Choir), playing the piano, dance organizing, and learning new fiber arts. During the work week, she works with Village West Design, an interior design firm founded by a fellow NYC dancer.
